Welcome to Bullet Journaling

What do you do when you feel like you've lost control of your life? When you don't have much control over how your body acts or what's happening in your environment, it's incredibly difficult to plan your days and keep track of what you need and want to do. It can feel like you're lost among a sea of people, just drowning because you feel you have lost your purpose in life. At these times, it is particularly important to notice what you ARE able to do and what you can accomplish to reach your goals.

At the beginning of April, I decided to start a bullet journal. People use bullet journals for a variety of purposes. For me, the bullet journal is a safe place where I can track my personal progress and goals, habits that I would like to improve upon, and write, all in the same place. Unlike a regular journal, a bullet journal has faded dots on each page in a grid. This allows for the user to create each page with a format of their choice. It also allows one to write in straight lines (as with lined paper, but without the lines distracting from your work), and draw without limitation.

Habit Tracker:

This was my first month keeping a habit tracker and I absolutely adored it. I put little daily tasks/habits in this tracker. Not only does is allow me to see what I need to improve upon, but it also proves to me how much I am actually accomplishing each day. For a 'normal' person, this may seem insignificant; however, for one who has been practically bed-ridden for 6 months, it's a great display of what I am able to do. It has given me some control while I have had very little control over my body. I frequently put good habits that I would like to do more consistently. The tracker has created an incentive for me to do these tasks because I want to color in that little box.

Mini Milestones:

This shoulder/scapula recovery process has been SLOW! It is very hard for me to see the progress I'm making because it's like a turtle race. This page allows me to document the little or not so little milestones that I have reached. When I feel like there is no hope of recovery or that I am getting nowhere, this page grounds me. It is proof on paper that I am making major gains even though it is over an extended period of time.

Weekly Planner:

I like to keep a weekly planner in my bullet journal to keep track of what I would like to accomplish each day and any plans or appointments I may have. It is important to break down your tasks into individual action items. In other words don't put "do project" because that is overwhelming and you won't see your progress. Instead, write, "draft project layout," "take notes on x article," etc. You get the idea.

Monthly Overview:

It's pretty much exactly how it sounds. I draw a monthly calendar and then put important events or exams on here.

Brain Dump:

I like to designate a few pages for what I like to call "brain dump." Here you can write anything you want. Sometimes if you're feeling really overwhelmed, stressed, angry, or upset about something, it can really help to get it all down on paper. For some people this may mean writing for pages on end; for others, it could be in the form of bullet points or short sentences. A "brain dump" is all about freeing your mind of any bothersome thoughts or events without the risk of being judged.

Techniques for Calming Down and Pain Control Methods:

I have one page dedicated to techniques for calming myself down when I'm anxious or overly stressed and one page with some of my pain control methods. It is important to remember that these are my personal techniques; what works for me may not work for you. If you struggle with depression, you may consider a page that outlines some things you can do to help yourself when you're feeling particularly depressed or hopeless. Personally, it really helps me to have these things written down because when I'm in too much physical pain or when I'm anxious and having a panic attack, I don't remember all of the things I can do to help myself. However, I can remember to look at my bullet journal, read through the list of methods, and pick one (or several) methods to use.

Miscellaneous:

I use some pages to work on my lettering and simultaneously write little quotes or words that motivate, ground, or inspire me.

Note to the Reader:

I like to use different colored brush pens, stickers, and washi tape in my journal because it serves my creative side; however, if you prefer a more simplistic journal, feel free to keep it black and white.

Pinterest and Instagram have some great bullet journal inspiration if you need help kickstarting your own bullet journal or are just looking for different layouts.